Exploring essential cover beyond standard Public Liability for Community Groups
If you’re involved in a not-for-profit community group, you’ve probably heard people say, “Public Liability Insurance covers everything.” The reality is, it doesn’t. Public and Products Liability Insurance are very important, but they’re just part of the picture. Think of them as the foundation of your Insurance program – a crucial starting point, but not the entire house.
Let’s chat about why it’s crucial to look beyond this cover and consider 2 other essential types of Insurance:
1: Volunteer Personal Accident Insurance
2: Association Liability Insurance.
Together, these may help to form a broader safety net that can truly protect your group, your volunteers, and your leaders.
Misconception: “Public Liability Insurance covers everything”
Public Liability Insurance is designed to protect your group if a third party is injured or their property is damaged because of your group’s negligence. However, it won’t cover everything.
For example, it may not protect you if:
- A volunteer gets injured while helping out.
- A committee member makes a decision that leads to a claim.
- Your group faces legal costs from management or employment disputes.
That’s where Volunteer Personal Accident Insurance and Association Liability Insurance come in.
Volunteer Personal Accident Insurance: Because Volunteers Are Your Heart and Soul
Volunteers are the lifeblood of community groups. They give their time, energy, and passion, often without thinking twice about the risks. But here’s a surprise: many volunteers assume they’re covered by their own personal insurance if they get hurt while volunteering. Unfortunately, that’s not always true.
Volunteer Personal Accident Insurance steps in to fill this gap. It can provides financial support if a volunteer is injured while working in an official capacity for your group. This can cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and even lost income if they can’t work for a while.
Why is this so important?
Because it shows your volunteers you care about their wellbeing. It can also means your group won’t be left with unexpected costs if an accident happens. Everyone wins.
Association Liability Insurance: Protecting Your Leaders So They Can Lead with Confidence
Many people don’t realise that when they take on roles like committee members, directors, or officers, they can also take on personal liability. That means if someone makes a claim against them for something they did (or didn’t do) in their official role, they could be personally responsible.
That’s a lot of pressure for people who are simply trying to help their community!
Association Liability Insurance can offer peace of mind by helping protect both the association and its officers from financial loss arising from these claims. It can cover:
- Legal defence costs.
- Settlements or damages awarded.
- Investigation expenses.
This Insurance is especially important for Incorporated community groups and clubs, as well as anyone in leadership or official volunteer roles.
So, what’s the bottom line?
Relying on Public and Products Liability Insurance alone is like trying to catch all the rain with just one bucket. It’s a great start, but it won’t cover all the risks your community group faces.
By adding Volunteer Personal Accident Insurance and Association Liability Insurance to your protection plan, you’re more likely covering all the bases. For example, you may:
- Protect your volunteers if they get hurt.
- Shield your leaders from personal liability.
- Safeguard your group’s finances and reputation.
In short, these 3 covers can work together to keep your community group safe, secure, and ready to keep doing the great work you do.
Interested?
If you’re unsure about what Insurance your group needs, it’s always a good idea to chat with an Insurance expert who understands community groups. Because when it comes to protecting your people and your mission, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
If you’re already an LCIS policyholder with just Public and Products Liability Insurance, why not get in touch with our friendly team today? We’d be happy to explain how adding Volunteer Personal Accident and Association Liability Insurance may give your group even better protection.
The best part?
You don’t have to wait until your next renewal to add these covers. We can arrange the Insurance for you anytime during your current Policy period. You’ll just pay a pro-rata amount for the rest of the term, so when your next renewal comes around, you’ll have all three Insurances in place, giving your group more complete peace of mind.
Worried about how the extra cost might affect your cash flow?
Good news, you can consolidate all your Insurance Policies and spread the payments over 10 months with Premium Funding, making it easier to manage your Insurance expenses throughout the year. Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions do apply, but if you’re interested or have concerns about affordability, we’re here to explain everything clearly and help find the best solution for you.
Give us a call or send us a email, and we’ll help you find the right cover to keep your community group safe and secure.
The above statements are issued as a matter of information only and for full terms and conditions you should refer to the Policy Wording.
LCPA 25/902.